Overview
Befitting the Accord's mission as an engaging and responsive everyday driver, every aspect of the chassis engineering and componentry was reviewed for the 9th-generation design. The result is a car that is quieter and more responsive on city streets, quieter and smoother riding the highway, and even more faithful to the driver's wishes on winding roads.
Accord chassis features include a MacPherson strut front suspension, a "hybrid" steel and aluminum front subframe, and electric power steering (EPS). Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) are also included, counteracting engine noise and helping to create a more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine note.
The advanced MacPherson strut front suspension provides superior ride and handling qualities while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The ninth-generation Accord also uses an aluminum and steel front subframe that reduces weight and, in conjunction with new rear compliance bushings and independent multi-link rear suspension, also measurably reduces NVH. Additional noise reductions are derived from careful tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems.
The EPS uses an electric motor to assist the rack-and-pinion steering rather than the hydraulic assist of the previous Accord. The result is reduced steering effort, improved precision, feel and stability, and less power consumption.
Aluminum wheels are now standard on every Accord Sedan and Coupe, and range in size from 16 inches to 19 inches depending on model and trim. Four-wheel disc brakes are also standard across the model range, along with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist, a 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Hill start assist is also standard, helping the driver accelerate smoothly from a stop while on an incline.
Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) are standard across the Accord model range. Using microphones, a signal processor and the Accord's audio speakers, ANC counteracts engine noise, while ASC helps create a more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine note. Additional noise reductions are derived from careful tailoring of the underbody and suspension systems.
2016 Accord Chassis Enhancements
The 2016 Accord received numerous engineering changes to its chassis design with the aim of further improving both ride and handling while creating greater differentiation in the performance characteristics of different models, in particular the Sport Sedan and Touring Sedan and Coupe. All 2016 Accords apply higher performance dampers and new compliance bushings. All models get new front and rear high performance dampers designed to offer increased response especially in the initial stage of body movement. Development work has centered on reduced internal friction and increased linearity, resulting in the redesign of the oil channel aiding both ride comfort and handling precision.
Accord Touring trims (Sedan and Coupe) get further upgraded Amplitude Reactive Dampers with variable suspension stroke, providing for an even more refined ride quality and improved body control during cornering. The Touring trim also gets new hydraulic rear subframe bushings for reduced high-frequency vibration.
In addition to receiving larger 19x8J wheels and 235/40 R19 96V tires, the Accord Sedan in Sport and Touring trim gets 1-inch larger front brake discs (12.3 inches in diameter vs.11.5 on the 2015 model). The new Coupe Touring receives the same 19-inch wheels and tires and upsized front brake discs, while EX and EX-L grades get larger 18-inch (+1 inch) wheels and 235/45R18 94V tires.
All 2016 models also feature new Straight Driving Assist Technology that utilizes the vehicle's Motion Adaptive Steering System to reduce the driver's workload when running on a canted or crowned road surface.
Standard Chassis Features
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Aluminum and steel front subframe
- Independent multi-link rear suspension
- New high performance dampers
- Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS)
- Aluminum wheels
- All-season tires
- 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Hill Start Assist
- Active Noise Control (ANC)
- Active Sound Control (ASC)
- Straight Driving Assist
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
A MacPherson strut front suspension gives the Accord an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, stable and responsive handling and flatter cornering. The highly evolved front suspension in the ninth-generation Accord is significantly lighter with higher dynamic performance including improved responsiveness, ride comfort and stability, significantly reduced noise and increased driving enjoyment. The Accord's turning diameter is 38.1 ft. (LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6) and 39.6 ft. (Sport and Touring) for the Sedan and 37.6 ft. (LX-S, EX, EX-L) and 39.0 ft. (EX-L V6 and Touring) for the Coupe.
Hydro-compliance bushings mount the front lower suspension arms. These bushings help reduce steering shimmy at all speeds, improve NVH characteristics and promote more accurate suspension geometry. The result is an ideal blend of ride quality, responsive steering and precise handling.
Enhanced structural rigidity plays a part in the Accord's new suspension performance, with highly rigid attachment points for the struts, as well as for the front subframe. This new structure is an integral part of the Accord's ACE body structure, which helps crash performance in a frontal collision. And finally, the repackaging of the front suspension allows a shorter front overhang to be incorporated, improving vehicle styling.
The struts are specially tuned for the ideal blend of comfort and handling. Innovative features include efficient hydraulic valves and seals, a low-friction Teflon® internal bushing, optimized oil specifications, and a special rebound damper spring that dramatically reduces body roll while turning. The Accord Sport, EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan, and the EX and EX-L Coupe all feature a front strut-tower connecting bar that further improves handling response. For 2016 models, a more ridged strut tower bar contributes to overall body stiffness and dynamic handling response.
Lightweight Front Subframe
The Accord's subframe, which cradles the engine, transmission and lower suspension mounts, utilizes a unique aluminum and steel construction. Using a process developed by Honda, the subframe joins aluminum and steel components with a type of friction-stir-welding to form a single high-strength, lightweight unit that provides ideal ride and handling properties along with lower weight. The weight savings directly improves both fuel efficiency and overall dynamic performance.
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension
The Accord's compact, multi-link rear suspension offers supple ride comfort and excellent overall handling. This system features high-strength stamped-steel upper A-arms with aluminum knuckles and precise geometry that reduces lift during hard braking. The lower links connect to a rigid rear subframe, which is isolated from the body by rubber mounts that reduce drumming and low frequency sound.
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
The Accord's electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS) uses a rack-and-pinion steering assembly with an electric motor assist that reduces steering effort, improves feel and enhances precision and stability. It also uses less power than a hydraulic system, contributing to the Accord's fuel efficiency. For ideal component packaging, on 4-cylinder Accords the steering pinion is electrically assisted, and on V-6 Accords the steering rack is electrically assisted.
Other EPS benefits include a more sophisticated, linear, solid and accurate steering feel, more nimble handling and improved highway stability. For 2016, the EPS features a new control logic designed to provide a more consistent steering weight in all conditions.
New High Performance Dampers
All 2016 Accord models get new front and rear high performance dampers designed to offer increased response especially in the initial stage of body movement. Development work has centered on reduced internal friction and increased linearity, resulting in the redesign of the oil channel aiding both ride comfort and handling precision.
New High Performance Amplitude Reactive Dampers
Amplitude Reactive Dampers are used for the first time on Accord, on the 2016 Sedan and Coupe in Touring trim. Amplitude Reactive Dampers deliver a superior level of ride comfort together with crisp, precise handling. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters: a Ride Zone and a Handling Zone. Each zone has a unique set of compression and rebound damping forces tailored to provide the desired ride and handling attributes. In essence, the amplitude reactive dampers operate like two separate suspension systems combined in one. The new dampers are entirely mechanical in operation with no electronics required.
Ride Zone
For short suspension stroke the dampers provide minimal damping effect to provide an extremely comfortable ride where little suspension travel is needed- such as on smooth road surfaces.
Handling Zone
For longer suspension stroke a second damping circuit is engaged. Here damping effect is maximized for enhanced steering feel, improved body-roll control and more secure handling- such as during aggressive cornering or on severe road conditions.
With the Amplitude Reactive Dampers, by adding a second spring floating valve above a conventional main piston valve, the Accord Touring maintains it's very flat and stable body control while offering a suppler and well damped ride quality. For example, while driving on rough surfaces, the application of short-stroke damper movement allows the main piston valve absorb the small vibrations for a comfortable ride. However during hard cornering both the main and second piston valves move that create a much larger damping force for better driving dynamics.
Aluminum Wheels
All Accords have restyled aluminum wheels. Sizes range from 16 to 19 inches in diameter, depending on model and trim. See the specifications tables below for more information.
All-Season Tires
Reducing the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of tires is an essential part of attaining better fuel efficiency for any vehicle. So the 2016 Accords use a range of tire widths from 205mm to 235mm that offer the best balance between all-season grip, low drag and low rolling resistance. As always, the tires also excel at providing accurate steering feel, a quiet, comfortable ride and long wear. They are also M+S rated for all-season drivability. The Accord comes with a temporary spare tire mounted on a steel wheel. See the specifications tables below for more information.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS
All Accord models are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) for confident stops. Front brake disc diameter varies from 11.1 to 12.3 inches depending on model and trim, while the rear discs measure 11.1 inches in diameter. A power brake booster offers a solid pedal feel and an optimized pedal stoke.
ABS independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy braking, while Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies full braking force when appropriate. (See Safety and Driver Assistive section for more information).
Accord Sedan Wheels, Tires and Brakes Specifications
| Trim | Wheels and Tires | Brake Disc Diameter | |
| Front (in) | Rear (in) | ||
| Sport and Touring | 19-inch aluminum wheels 235/40R19 96V M+S tires |
12.3 | 11.1 |
| EX-L V-6, EX-L, EX | 17-inch aluminum wheels 215/55R17 94V M+S tires |
11.5 | 11.1 |
| LX | 16-inch aluminum wheels 205/65R16 95H M+S tires |
11.1 | 11.1 |
Accord Coupe Wheels, Tires and Brakes Specifications
| Trim | Wheels and Tires | Brake Disc Diameter | |
| Front (in) | Rear (in) | ||
| Touring | 19-inch aluminum wheels 235/40R19 96V M+S tires |
12.3 | 11.1 |
| EX and EX-L (L4 and V-6) |
18-inch aluminum wheels 235/45R18 94V tires |
11.5 | 11.1 |
| EX-L, EX, LX-S | 17-inch aluminum wheels 215/55R17 94V M+S tires |
11.1 | 11.1 |
Accord Sedan and Coupe Spare Tire Specifications
| Trim | Sedan Spare Tire | Coupe Spare Tire |
| LX / LX-S | T135/90 D16 102M | T135/90 D16 102M |
| Sport | T135/80 D17 103M | — |
| EX | T135/90 D16 102M | T135/90 D16 102M |
| EX-L | T135/90 D16 102M | T135/90 D16 102M |
| EX-L V-6 | T135/90 D16 102M | T135/90 D16 102M |
| Touring | T135/80 D17 103M | T135/80 D17 103M |
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) is standard on all Accord models. EBD adjusts front-to-rear brake pressure according to vehicle load distribution for optimum brake balance at all times. Sensors at each wheel send signals to the brake-control module, which can modulate braking pressure based on individual wheel speed, optimizing brake pressure balance on all four wheels, while providing a linear pedal feel.
Brake Assist
The Accord's electronically controlled Brake Assist is designed to help drivers apply full braking force in a collision-avoidance situation. If the driver suddenly brakes harder than normal in an emergency, the system fully activates the brakes. However Brake Assist does not take over braking – it only assists the driver in obtaining full braking performance in an emergency. Brake Assist deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the pedal.
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)1 with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Accord's Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the driving wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. While the driver can reduce the traction control effectiveness allowing more wheel slip during stuck condition by pressing the VSA button, ABS remains fully operational at all times. For further information see the Safety and Driver Assistance section.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)2
The Accord's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) helps the driver maintain proper air pressure to improve driving safety, as well as reduce wear and tear on the vehicle's tires. Located in the instrument panel, a TPMS icon illuminates to alert the driver whenever any of the tires has a significantly low-pressure reading that requires the driver's attention.
Hill Start Assist
All Accord models have hill start assist, which holds brake pressure when the vehicle is stopped on a hill for a brief period of time, allowing the driver's foot to move from the brake pedal to accelerator without the vehicle moving.
Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)
Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) work together as a system to reduce noise in the cabin, while simultaneously improving the sound quality during strong acceleration. The combined effect helps make the Accord cabin a more pleasant and relaxing place to spend time.
Included in all Accord models, Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC) use two microphones, a processing unit and four speakers (integral to the Accord's audio system) to collect and interpret sound entering the cabin and then deliver an out-of-phase audio signal to cancel unwanted background noise – and better define desirable noise such as the engine note during acceleration.
Active Noise Control (ANC) counteracts engine noise, for instance when the 4-cylinder Accord is idling with the air-conditioning on, or when the V-6 engine's Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) function is cycling on and off. For its part, Active Sound Control (ASC) helps create more linear and sophisticated high-rpm engine sounds, for instance when the Accord is accelerating up a freeway on-ramp or passing slower traffic.
To further distinguish its sporting feel, the 2016 Accord Sport has a specially tuned ANC allowing for more engine sound in the cabin under acceleration. The idea was to create a powerful engine sound at medium engine speeds through to revs approaching the redline. Sound is also tuned according to the type of transmission, with the manual transmission models providing a sportier, slightly more aggressive sound to reflect the sportier character associated with that type of transmission. (See Interior section for more information.)
1 VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle's course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.
2 For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.